Four Year Strong “In Some Way, Shape or Form” Review

Four Year Strong looks like a hockey team during the playoffs. They play music like it’s game 7. They win it all with defense. By that, I mean they have never backed down from being Four Year Strong. The opening single, “Just Drive”, is a Four Year Strong song without a doubt. Distorted guitars, intricate drumming and the classic dual vocals between Dan O’Connor and Alan Day. The only thing missing is the never very apparent keyboards of Josh Lyford.

Even though Lyford was never very noticeable as a keyboardist, his gut wrenching screams are missed with FYS’s heavier sound on In Some Way, Shape Or Form. The heaviest moments on their sophomore album, Enemy Of The World, were made even heavier by Lyford on songs like “On A Saturday” and “What The Hell Is A Gigawatt?”. His screams are missed this time around on songs like “Sweet Kerosene”. The opportunities are abundant on ISWSOF, but in an attempt to sound more mature, Lyford was fired.

Album highlights include “Stuck In The Middle”, the would be balladry of “Only The Meek Get Pinched, The Bold Survive”, and “Heaven Wasn’t Built To Hold Me”. In Some Way, Shape Or Form does not trump Enemy Of The World, but it does show growth in the band, which is always a good sign.

Overall: 3/5 It’s enjoyable, but not as well done as their previous efforts. If you are a Four Year Strong fan, this is a must have. If you are a casual listener, get started with their older stuff. Also, ironically the album art has a couple hockey sticks on it.

Four Year Strong “Enemy of the World” Review

“It must really suck to be Four Year Strong right now”.

This sentence was included in a review of Set Your Goals latest album This Will Be The Death Of Us in Alternative Press magazine. The review raved about SYG’s album, and noted constant comparisons between the two melodic hardcore bands. How can you not compare them? They tour together, they sound similar, they each have two singers. Most people would stop differentiating after that.

But there are major differences in the latest albums by both bands. The biggest one for me is the songwriting. Enemy Of The World is a better record hands down because of the songwriting. Kicking off the album with “It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now” is the smartest decision made about track listing I’ve ever seen. It is heavy, melodic, and anthemic. The chorus is ridiculously catchy, even when they are yelling.

I would point out specific songs and why they are awesome, but instead, I will point out the best titles (because all the songs are good)! Personal favorite is “What The Hell Is A Gigawatt?”, a line stolen from the 1985 classic Back To The Future. “Flannel Is The Color Of My Energy” is a poke at 311’s “Amber”, and is also totally fitting of the band. Nothing screams flannel more than two lead singers with big bushy beards. And of course, the aforementioned “It Must Really Suck…” is a classic title.

Final Review: 4/5 Don’t take any chances. If you like Four Year Strong, get this album. It’s awesome. If you’ve never heard them, imagine a heavier New Found Glory or (Michigan’s own) The Swellers with beards.  Check out the video of “It Must Really Suck…” right HERE. As far as I know, this is the only place to see it. Enjoy!